He maintained his gaze upon her and pursed his lips, as though reminiscing about something significant.

In that moment, Claudia's cheeks grew warm and her ears took on a rosy hue. "Well, surely you can't simply go around biting people!" she retorted with a mixture of indignation and fluster.

“Very well, no more biting," he relented. "Instead, I shall opt for a kiss next time."

This declaration left her momentarily at a loss for words.

How had their interaction taken such a turn?

What had caused him to harbor such impure thoughts?

Observing her now-crimson earlobes, Bennett ceased his teasing.

“Rest a while. I'LL descend to prepare Lunch and return to rouse you in about two hours."

Claudia blinked, offering a playful excuse, “But won't I feel rather embarrassed?"

As he busied himself in the kitchen, she drifted into a peaceful slumber. Was that really appropriate?

“Would you Like to join me downstairs in the kitchen, Mrs. Dreskin?" he inquired once more.

Feeling a touch embarrassed, Claudia strategically feigned a yawn and replied, “I... I'm quite sleepy. I think I'LL take a short nap. Thank you, Mr. Dreskin."

With that, she promptly rose and began to make her way back to the guest room on instinct.

However, before she could retreat entirely, Bennett caught her collar and tugged her back gently.

“And where do you think you're headed, Mrs. Dreskin?"

“I'm feeling thirsty, so I thought I'd go downstairs for a drink,” Claudia offered in a hurried attempt at explanation.

His eyebrow arched curiously. "Warm water, perhaps?"

"Yes," she confirmed, her cheeks tinged with a blush. He flashed a grin, released his grip on her and strolled out of the room. Claudia's realization dawned only now: he intended to fetch water for her.

What an unexpectedly awkward situation!

Despite her embarrassment, a warm glow of happiness fluttered within Claudia's heart.

It felt as if she were in the midst of a delightful dream, her heart swelling with sweetness.

Clutching her phone, Claudia approached Bennett's king-sized bed. As she stretched out upon it, a playful impulse took hold and she rolled about for a few rotations.

Before she could complete her playful spin, Bennett reappeared with a glass of water in hand.

Caught mid-motion, Claudia froze, her face half-obscured by her tousled hair.